Cruise pinch-hitter checks curves of Emerald Sky

Icons from the past who are still relevant today, Catherine Denueve and Twiggy, have been busy launching ships. For Catherine, it was Uniworld. For Twiggy, last week, it was a new river cruise line and Emerald Waterways’ first ship, Emerald Sky, was the recipient of Twiggy’s breaking the champagne bottle over its bow.

Peter Knego

I was supposed to cover the event but medical conditions grounded me. Stepping up to pinch-hit is Peter Knego, one of the most knowledgeable people there is about cruising and every aspect of most of the world’s ships.

What’s your first impression, Peter?

Twiggy

“She is good-looking and has more of a racy look to her above the waterline.”

Peter, are you talking about the boat or Twiggy?

“Both. One is 64 years of age and the other is only a week old, and both are sleek ladies.”

Let’s stick to the ship, Peter. “Keep it simple” is not the philosophy of Glen Moroney, Emerald’s owner.

“The decor is unique and the entrance to the ship, with large globe chandeliers, is impressive; mixed with a lot of glass on the walls.”

Are there more ships coming?

“Yes they [Emerald’s people] feel they have a successful product so one more will arrive in June and numbers three and four in 2015.”

This is a subsidiary of Scenic Tours, the first river line to go fully inclusive on the water — will it be the same story here?

“No. They see this line as a bit less-inclusive, and so more affordable. On board Emerald ships, you

No shortage of liquids on the Emerald Sky

still get a lot: soft drinks, beer and wine at meals, shore excursions, transfers and tips are all part of the fare.”

Tell me about some of the features:

“The pool is on the aft of the ship. It has an automatic floor that raises at night —chairs are put out and a megadome goes over the area, creating a movie theatre complete with popcorn at night.

“Cabin innovations include a drop-down, open-air window and indoor balcony, replacing the French balcony in the Panorama Suites. These measure 180 square feet.

“I remember how sleek and modern Celebrity’s Solstice was when I first boarded that ship at her christening. You have the same feeling when you first step on to the Emerald Sky.

“Although they are in small rooms, happily they have included a massage room, cardio gym, and hair stylist; all are welcome, especially the three cardio machines.

“Singles should be happy that they have two cabins dedicated to them, even though it’s only two.”

What about the schedule?

“Five itineraries are being offered this year, including Danube Delights, an eight-day cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Emerald is hoping short cruises like this will be of interest to a younger demographic. The Classic Prague & Danube Delights is an 11-day itinerary that is an extension, with

On the deck of the Emerald Sky in Germany’s Rhine Gorge

three days in Prague. Magical Rhine & Moselle is a 12-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Splendors of Europe is 15 days, the longest itinerary, between Amsterdam and Budapest. Christmas Markets of Europe takes in many of Europe’s top markets on another 15-day itinerary between those two cities.”

Final thoughts?

“Scenic and Emerald are not cookie-cutter cruise lines. Scenic’sSpace Ships and Emerald’s Star Ships platforms are constantly changing and improving, right up to launch date. Glen Moroney was already looking at things he could change in the three ships to come. He has used space well and Emerald has a warm and spacious feeling.”